The 10 Worst Fireplace Surrounds Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is important to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to go with a marble fireplace (Source), be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace electric. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.

Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.

If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional style.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.

Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.